A Lesson Plan for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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Help your students understand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with Channel One News videos and corresponding instructional resources. We’ve created a four-day lesson plan featuring a selection of news videos that are usually viewable to subscribers only. We’ve also included an interactive timeline highlighting key events in the civil rights movement and the pivotal role Dr. King played in our nation’s history.

Partners: Students work with a partner to classify the timeline events into three categories: Academic Achievements and Awards, Key Moments in the Civil Rights Movement and Personal Life. Have students create a three-column graphic organizer.

Ask partners to discuss the significance of each event. Discussion should include: Why was this event important in Dr. King’s life and work? How did it affect future events in his life? What impact, if any, did it have on our nation? Then, students select the one event from each column that they feel is most important in Dr. King’s life and work, to share with class.

Day 2

Turn and Talk: Rosa Parks once said, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” How was Rosa Parks a role model for others during the civil rights movement? What lessons can we learn from her today? Use specific examples from the script to explain your reasoning.

Be sure to distribute the video transcript to each student so they can read along while watching the video.

Check for Understanding:

Explain the sit-in strategy used during the civil rights movement.

How long did the members of the Friendship Nine spend in jail?

Why did they choose to serve jail time?

Turn and talk: Turn to a partner and discuss: In what way will the judge’s decision change the lives of the men in the Friendship Nine? How does this decision help to “right” history?

Argumentative Writing: Imagine that you are the attorney representing the Friendship Nine today. Write an opening argument that outlines the crime they were charged with in 1961. Then, explain why that conviction should be overturned today. Use specific information from the video script to support your argument.

1. Day of Service

According to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., what makes a person “great”?

How and why did Martin Luther King Day become known as a Day of Service?

Why is a national day of service a fitting tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Take action: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Work with a partner, a small group or a family member to identify a specific need in your community. How can you provide a service to help?

Work with your partner or group to write a paragraph explaining the need you’ve identified in your community. Why would you like to volunteer your time for this cause? How do you plan to help? Devise a plan outlining your idea. Then, prepare to “be great”! Document your day of service through photographs, and then submit a one-page description explaining your experience. Use details from the video to support your response.

Analyze content: In your own words, summarize the content of the speech. What are the main points Dr. King makes?

Evaluate: Describe the tone Dr. King uses in his delivery. What technique(s) does he use to effectively connect with his audience?

Present: Select a 2-3 minute segment to present aloud to class. Distribute a copy of the highlighted text to accompany your presentation. Be sure to explain the background of the speech and provide context for the segment you’ll be presenting.

3. Close reading of a text

Conduct additional research to answer the following: Where and when was this letter originally published? Who was letter written to? Why was it written? Why was Dr. King in prison?

Summarize: In your own words, summarize the points Dr. King makes about nonviolent protest and civil disobedience, “white moderates” and just vs. unjust laws. How does the tone change throughout the letter? Cite several examples that support your recognized tones.

Write: Imagine you were living in the 1960s. Write a letter to your local newspaper arguing for the end of segregation. Use Dr. King’s letter and the information you’ve learned about him to support your argument.

Wrap-Up/Final Reflection

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a phenomenal organizer of peaceful, effective protests in the fight for civil rights and equality. If he were alive today, what specific issue do you think he would be planning such an event for? Name the issue and describe the type of protest he would organize. What would he ask people to do?

martain is one of the best hero’s in the united states because he showed it doesnt matter whats the color of your skin it just matters what your true character is he had a dream where a civilization can combine with people with all types of skin colors and if it wasn’t for him i probably wouldn’t be able to hang out with any of my friends today or any other day